BBarberton is a geological mecca, luring international geologists and biologists to probe the earth’s beginnings and some of its earliest life forms. It also has a colourful gold-rush history, creative young artisans fashioning jewellery from the oldest gold in the world, and plenty of exhilarating outdoor activities.

Perhaps you've never heard of Barberton's Makhonjwa mountains, but international scientists have been studying them for decades.

It is here, in the beautifully preserved ancient rocks, that some of the earth's earliest life forms began. Find out more about the geology and biology of the region, as well as the history of the local gold rush, at the attractive Barberton museum.

The historical town of Barberton, named for the Barber family who found gold here in the 1880s, was home to many colourful characters, such as the infamous Cockney Liz, barmaid and prostitute, who walked the streets where South Africa's first gold stock exchange was established.

SSee the original 19th-century kerbstones and the statue of South Africa's beloved canine hero, Jock of the Bushveld, in front of the stately Town Hall. Take one of the hiking trails that follow the footsteps of those early miners or amble around the town's fascinating Heritage Walk.

Barberton, Mpumalanga

BBarberton's gold mines still exist, and you can watch creative young artisans fashioning jewellery from the oldest gold in the world next to the Barberton museum. A far cry from the rowdy, noisy gold-rush part of town, is the Belhaven House Museum, where Edwardian local gentry lived at the turn of the 20th century.

AAfter you've steeped yourself in history, take to the great outdoors and try your hand at paragliding off Lone Tree Hill, horse riding, archery or quad biking. For more gentle pursuits, take tea at the Victorian Tea Garden in the Market Square, or visit the cemetery to see graves dating back to Barberton's gold-rush days.

Mpumalanga

The Mpumalanga province is home to the beautiful Blyde River Canyon – one of the world's largest canyons, the Sudwala Caves – the world's oldest; and the Kruger National Park – arguably the world's most famous wildlife sanctuary.